Nick Cummins leaving Western Force and Wallabies
1:55

Nick Cummins is set to leave both the Western Force and the Wallabies to play overseas in Japan at the end of the Super Rugby season, with the Force granting Cummins an early release from his contract.

Fox Sports

04 Jul 2014

Sport/Rugby Union/News

Nick Cummins has made the tough call to away from the Wallabies and Western Force to play in Japan.Source: News Corp Australia

CULT figure Nick Cummins has made the shock call to walk away from the Wallabies for something more precious ... fighting the illness in his close-knit family.

Cummins’ single dad Mark confided that his son had made “a remarkable family first” sacrifice to step up for his seven siblings with his call to sign a deal in Japan.

Cummins is best known as the wild-haired winger with the knockabout “Honey Badger” persona of wacky one-liners and bullocking tries for the Wallabies and Western Force.

His World Cup chances in 14 months may not be scuttled as first thought, such are the unique circumstances for being granted a contract release on compassionate grounds by the Australian Rugby Union. The private “Badger” is one of great strength and family values.

“He’s no mercenary. He treasures playing for the Wallabies and all he is giving up is because of his family,” Cummins senior said from his Brisbane home yesterday.

“He told me that in his heart he couldn’t enjoy himself when he could be doing more for the kids.”

Two of Cummins’ brothers and sisters have cystic fibrosis and the family was floored by father Mark last year being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Nick Cummins scores a try for the Wallabies against France at Suncorp Stadium last month.Source: News Corp Australia

Inspiring dad Mark was honoured as Queensland’s Father of the Year in 2012 for his herculean parenting effort.

“Nick said he could kick in more by signing in Japan where he will get more time off to return to the family and also research alternative medicines.”

Cummins has developed into a Test-quality winger in his 15 Tests so his exit for a rich deal with Japanese club Coca Cola West Red Sparks is a major blow for the Wallabies.

The ARU statement on his departure left a grey area on whether he could return in February and still bid for World Cup selection next year.

“It is very disappointing to lose a player of Nick’s calibre but after discussing the issues, we appreciate this is a decision based on what is best for him and his family at this time,” Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said.

News.com.au's Privacy Policy includes important information about our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information (including to provide you with targeted content and advertising based on your online activities). It explains that if you do not provide us with information we have requested from you, we may not be able to provide you with the goods and services you require. It also explains how you can access or seek correction of your personal information, how you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will deal with a complaint of that nature.

Comments on this story

Paul Carroll of Oz Posted at 9:10 AM July 05, 2014

Got to sort out sabbaticals as a case by case review. The loss of depth this far out the RWC is killing us. The game isn't financial enough to hold players being offered well and above what they get here. Too many players are banished because they are securing there future which means "money" in short sporting careers.

A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites.